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Vanuatu, Fiji advance into the last four

BY: Loop Pacific 08:30, September 26, 2019

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Vanuatu and Fiji have secured their spots in the semi-finals after wins against Tonga and Papua New Guinea respectively on match day two of Group B at the OFC Men’s Olympic Qualifier 2019 at Churchill Park in Lautoka, Fiji.

With only three other teams in the pool, Vanuatu didn’t need extra motivation as they displayed a clinical performance, putting 8 goals past Tonga to follow up on their opening win and secure a spot in the play-off with full match points from two matches.

The Etienne Mermer coached side were rewarded in the 28th minute with Bong Kalo putting Vanuatu in front with a nice finish in the box.

Kalo followed up with his second, a minute later in a similar style, before Jonathan SpokeyJack connected a cross from Bethuel Ollie for an early three goal lead two minutes later.

With an additional 2 minutes added, Lency Philip and Jordy Tasip combined beautifully, sending Ollie through for Vanuatu’s fourth just before half time whistle.

Vanuatu returned after the break looking more positive adding four more goals with Kalo completing his hat-trick before being replaced by Azariah Soromon who managed to add another goal to his tally.

Etienne Mermer’s men were in the driver’s seat for the duration of the game.

“The most important thing is we continue to win, however it’s not easy especially up against the Tongans who are physically strong,” Mermer explained.

“We were focused and continued to played well, getting behind the ball and it worked for us scoring more goals.”